North Babylon Highlights Importance of Civic Engagement

North Babylon High School continues to foster civic engagement and responsibility through the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness program. This distinction recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate a deep understanding of civic education and a dedication to making a positive impact on their communities.

The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness is awarded to students who meet rigorous academic and experiential benchmarks in social studies and civic involvement. To earn the seal, students engage in a combination of coursework, impactful civic engagement projects and presentations that showcase their ability to analyze and address real-world issues.

“North Babylon High School has made significant strides in expanding opportunities for students to work toward the Seal of Civic Readiness,” said Social Studies Director Eliot Lewin. “Through innovative updates to our social studies curriculum, we have embedded civic engagement projects and created spaces for meaningful discussions around current events. These efforts empower students to become informed, active citizens prepared to lead in their communities.”

Students enrolled in the fall semester of government classes recently presented their Civic Readiness Capstone Projects, which serve as culminating experiences that allow them to research, reflect on and address issues of personal and community importance.
Some of the issues they presented on included safe driving awareness, climate change and food waste reduction.
“With several more government classes occurring in the spring semester, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of students presenting their projects,” Lewin added. “The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness aligns closely with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the skills and attributes students need to succeed in college, career and civic life. By emphasizing critical thinking, civic responsibility and community engagement, the requirements for the Seal of Civic Readiness help prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing society.”